«The Star-Spangled Banner» is well known. The song reflects the United States of America and says a lot about its people’s adaptability and fortitude. However, aside from its patriotic significance, there is another reason why this wonderful music is so well known. Because singing is really difficult!
Consider it; this may be one of the reasons we frequently hear it performed by professional vocalists at incredibly important events such as major sporting competitions. If no one is available to sing it as well as an expert, we usually play a tape of it to guide everyone in singing the effective melody. What happens, though, if the recording fails and there is no skilled vocalist available to shout it out? Well, one high school in Iowa knew just what to do.
North Polk intended to play a musical recording of the national anthem to begin their high school women’s basketball video game on February 1 so that people could participate and respect the country. Nonetheless, an unexpected turn of events occurred when the tape did not play and they were assigned to perform the song themselves.
There was no professional vocalist available, yet the game would not begin unless the national song was performed! It was at this point that everyone in the crowd, including the trainees, referees, and school employees, began singing the national song on their own.
It was such a wonderful moment because, despite the fact that many different voices were singing this challenging song, the tune and charm of it were far more powerful and affecting. Everyone in attendance felt the emotions needed to make the song come to life more strongly as they yelled out the lovely lyrics together.
When it got to the section about «O’er the land of the complimentary and the house of the brave!» everyone was so engrossed in the moment that it sounded like an experienced chorale. To be honest, if you didn’t know the vocalists were performing at a high school sporting event, you’d never guess they weren’t professional performers at all! It was that good.
The spontaneous chorale of families, friends, and even the opposition team that gathered for a high school video game finished with a round of applause. It was a perfect conclusion that no one involved will ever forget. What a way to start the video game!